Kline to stay at public school

March 11, 2008|By Russ Keen, rkeen@aberdeennews.com

Eric Kline has decided to continue as principal of C.C. Lee Elementary School, an Aberdeen public school, rather than become administrator of Aberdeen Christian School. “As time drew close for me to sign my contract (with Aberdeen Christian), I had to trust what my heart was telling me - and that was to remain in the public school system,” Kline said Monday in a prepared statement. “I wish I could be in both places at the same time. But, of course, that is not possible. I sincerely apologize for the disruption I caused both Aberdeen Christian and Aberdeen public schools.” Kline, 35, announced in late January that he had accepted the position with Aberdeen Christian. On Monday night, the public school board unanimously approved rescinding his resignation and reinstating him as C.C. Lee principal. The board had approved his resignation in early February. Kline said in his statement he was grateful for the board's willingness to grant his request to be reinstated. The Aberdeen native has been with the city's public school system for the past 13 years. “I look forward to continuing to serve the students, parents, and staff in the Aberdeen school district,” he said in his statement. Aberdeen Christian will resume its search for an administrator, said Mark Hoven, its board president. Patti Wiens, Aberdeen Christian's administrator since fall 2006, has resigned because of medical issues in her family. The school has 62 elementary students and 35 secondary students. “Eric has to go where his heart leads him,” Hoven said Monday. ”We wish him the best.”